Person confesses to sexual offenses targeting boys at summer program

An individual who spiked treats with sedative and provided them to children at a summer camp in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual offenses against two children aged between nine and ten.

The defendant was taken into custody after eight youngsters and a grown-up experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.

The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.

Yet, he denied one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was against a young boy.

The accused was kept in jail before a additional proceeding on 28 November.

'Treat game'

Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, detailed the defendant's actions to the judicial body.

She explained his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a youth camp which he operated.

The man conducted a "sweet game" with the minors, the prosecutor stated, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were settling down and ask them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".

She told the court the defendant had conducted this practice with the boys "over an extended period", and children had previously become sick the following morning.

She explained Ruben had been able to explain this for many years as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had worries in July 2025.

The legal representative added: "In the summer" his family member had worries about the activities, justifiably.

"They resolved" to investigate in the man's possessions."

The legal counsel said objects including lubricant, ointment and syringes were discovered, and his stepson contacted the police about his worries.

She said the man proceeded to conduct the "treat game" with six youngsters that time - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the next day.

"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that point," she added.

The oversight body, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.

The legal representative stated the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the family member called the law enforcement a second time.

She said the defendant then conducted the "sweet game" in a room of five youngsters.